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Iron spiraled bundle currency07.03.400
- Iron
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
Diameter: 120 mm Weight: 800 gr
Eleven iron rods with its extremities curved in a way to form 2 counter-set, small spirals joined with others to form a bundle. The surface shows a superb darkened shiny to crusty untouched age patina. It had no other specific function other than that of currency. From Northern Cameroon forged most likely by Kirdi or Matakam blacksmiths.
Spiraled bundle iron currency07.03.399
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- Excellent overall condition
Diameter: 120 mm Weight: 400 gr
Eight iron rods with its extremities curved in a way to form 2 counter-set, small spirals joined with others to form a bundle. The surface shows a superb darkened shiny to crusty untouched age patina. It had no other specific function other than that of currency. From Northern Cameroon forged most likely by Kirdi or Matakam blacksmiths.
Spiraled bundle Currency07.03.398
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
Largest diameter 150 mm Weight: 500 gr
Eight iron rods with its extremities curved in a way to form 2 counter-set, small spirals joined with others to form a bundle. The surface shows a superb darkened shiny to crusty untouched age patina. It had no other specific function other than that of currency. From Northern Cameroon forged most likely by Kirdi or Matakam blacksmiths.
Igbo Coiled Manilla Currency - Nigeria07.02.397
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Museum quality (worthy to be added to a museum’s permanent collection)
Diameter: 70 mm Weight: 1.7 kg
A thick cooper piece wound into a spiral, with bulbous ends. It was probably used in major transactions such as such as a groom paying bride wealth to the family of his bride. it could be melted and forged it into different tools that were necessary in day to day life, making it a preferred and useful standard of value.
Iyembe copper spiral currency07.05.395
- Copper & copper aloy
- High aesthetic value
- Museum quality (worthy to be added to a museum’s permanent collection)
- Excellent overall condition
- Delivered with it's own stand
Diameter: 75 mm Weight: 2.2 kg
Copper zoomorphic spiral (snake) made with a hexagonal section rod. The section in the upper part is larger than in the lower. They were very important objects for the Lyembe who used them for paying the wedding dowry.
Mumuye forged bundle currency07.03.393
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- Excellent overall condition
Diameter: 130 mm Weight: 700 gr
An iron pole with a bunch of thin blades sticking out of it, giving the currency a tree like shape. The curved extensions with stylized snake heads gives a wonderful aesthetic shape. These Snake currency are forged of an iron spike splitting into 'branches', without any points of welding. Each of which resembles a snake. Used by the Gourmangé speaking peoples (Mumuye, Lobi, etc.) in North Eastern Nigeria,
Mumuye torch currency - Nigeria07.03.392
- Iron
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- High aesthetic value
Diameter on top: 100 - 150 mm Weight: 900 gr
An iron pole with a bunch of thin blades sticking out of it, giving the currency a tree like shape. The curved extensions with stylized snake heads gives a wonderful aesthetic shape. These Snake currency are forged of an iron spike splitting into 'branches', without any points of welding. Each of which resembles a snake. Used by the Gourmangé speaking peoples (Mumuye, Lobi, etc.) in North Eastern Nigeria, Origin from an ex-Vienna private collection.
Bundle of 10 Gouro, Baulé or Bete currencies07.01.391
- Iron
- Metal
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
The shape of their currencies is somewhat different from the Kissi pennies. Itz uses a circular iron rod, never twisted, The ears are asymmetrical. They have been in use in the western regions of Ivory Cost
Bundle of 10 Kissi pennies07.01.390
- Iron
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- Antiques (object shows signs of long use)
A bundle of 10 thin twisted iron rods, with a flat flower-like shape at one end and a sharpened T at the other. The T sharpened end with 2 points was called Kodo (foot) and the flower-like end was called Nileng (ear).
3 bundles - Bournous - of 20 Kissi pennies07.01.389
- Iron
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
The shape of the Kissi money is rather odd. Its characteristic form is a twisted rod of iron with flattened ends: a flat, hoe-like spatula at one end (Nileng) and a sharpened ‘T’ at the other (Kodo) the bundle of 20 pieces was called Bournou. Kissi pennies were in use until mid 20th century.
Tikar Brass Currency Armlet Torque with Spikes Cameroon07.03.387
- Brass / bronze
- High aesthetic value
- Museum quality (worthy to be added to a museum’s permanent collection)
- Excellent overall condition
Width: 320 mm Weight: 2.9 kg
This large and exuberant brass armlet or torque with its complex patterns and finely molded motifs in relief reflects a sculptural tradition long established in Cameroon. No bibliographical references could be found for this item.
Mbole copper anklet currency07.05.386
- Copper & copper aloy
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- High aesthetic value
Depth 150 mm Weight: 1.8 kg
These spherical copper rings, open on one side, often referred to as 'the perfect form,' was worn around the ankle as a display of status by both women and men of the Mbole tribe. Formed from copper, mboles were exchanged during marriage ceremonies. Copper was worked in Africa five-hundred years before the use of iron. This ancient material is associated with water and fertility. The anklet has some paintings (reference number) on one side.
Mabila / Mfute or Chamba hoe currency07.03.384
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- Excellent overall condition
Width: 100 mm Weight: 800 gr (incl. stand)
Exceptional well conserved piece, with beautiful patina. While the hoe as agricultural tool adapt its form to the type of soil, the sex and age of the worker, etc. the hoe as exchange money may adapt more fee form. The present piece may have been used as matrimonial compensation among the Mabila.
Mambila / Chamba hoe currency07.03.382
- Iron
- Museum quality (worthy to be added to a museum’s permanent collection)
- High aesthetic value
Width: 320 mm Weight: 1.1 kg (without stand)
Forged out of iron by local blacksmiths theses currency took the form of a hoe, with the bottom part ending in a triangle. Some models could have actually been used as hoes.These hoe type currencies were manufactured by various groups in North Western Nigeria and Northern Cameroon.
Pelt form currency Mfunte / Mambila 07.03.381
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
Width: 270 mm Weight: 2.3 kg (without stand)
Exceptional forged iron currency, with brush made lines on its surface and a beautiful patina. Its surface is divided into two mismatched levels. These carefully forged pieces were mostly used as bride price. They circulated widely in West Cameroon and North-Eastern Nigeria. This simple yet striking design expresses perfectly the "perfect form" that is African tribal currency
Mambila / Chamba ceremonial trapezoidal hoe currency07.03.380
- Iron
- Museum quality (worthy to be added to a museum’s permanent collection)
- High aesthetic value
Width:160 mm Weight: 500 gr
Iron currency in the form of a ceremonial hoe. A typical example of a non functional object used as currency. Some attribute these items to the Gayun a tribe living next to the Chamba. In 1967 at the time S. Johansson conducted a research in the area it was worth 1 shilling.
Mabila / Chamba "Bandaka" hoe currency07.03.379
Width: 28o mm Weight: 1,7 kg (incl. stand)
A semi circular blade of forged iron, divided into 2 zones and set on mismatched levels.Some actors see it as a stylized profile of a person.
Fulani forged iron bar07.02.378
- Iron
- Museum quality (worthy to be added to a museum’s permanent collection)
This currency consists of a forged lingot with broadened middle section and long shaded ends with hammered decorations. They were much used for currency among the non-Moslem tribes and in the Moslem markets where pagan tribes came to trade.These forged iron bars were still in use until the second World war. The Eastern Fulani called them Losol, the Western Fulani: Tajere. (Taji pl.).
Double Idoma currency07.02.089
The Idoma live in the Benue River aerea of Nigeria. This doubble Idoma currency is a rare piece with a high aestetic value. The surface has brush made lines.
Iron Scepter Currency Ga'Anda / Kirdi07.03.088
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
An interesting forged iron scepter with 13 projectiles from the Ga-anda people of North Cameroon and Nigeria. Such scepters were probably used by farmers as well as by priests and diners as their insignia of rank and as power objects as they are said to be invested with supernatural forces.
The whimsical "rooster crest" shape, called also Baton Wanshipta, has a beautiful aesthetic shape for display.
Spear shaped Chamba iron currency07.03.096
- Iron
Mumuye forged iron spiral currency07.03.101
- Iron
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
Max. width: 75 mm
This currency consists of a bundle of 4 spiral shaped ended elements.
3 Nkutshu Metal Currency Croquet Wickets Kusu Congo07.05.009
- Copper & copper aloy
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- High aesthetic value
- Museum quality (worthy to be added to a museum’s permanent collection)
Width: 210 mm - 225 mm - 215 mm Weight: 3.3 kg the 3 pieces
A U shaped copper rod , hand manufactured of of approx. 14 mm diameter with disk-like extremities. These enigmatic pieces of copper currency were made by Nkutshu blacksmiths for their monetary system. They were first forged round and then refolded with forged disc at the end. the basongo meno considered them as important objects used both in dowry payment and purchase of slaves and big animals.
Can also be sold per piece (contact us).
Ngombe copper bar from Congo07.05.010
- Copper & copper aloy
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- High aesthetic value
Width: 25 mm
Thickness: 13 mm Weight: 1,05 kg
A solid cuved egg-shaped section copper bar with blunt ended extremities.
Copper bars in different forms and shapes have been commonly used in central Congo.
Kwele Currency07.05.066
- Iron
- Museum quality (worthy to be added to a museum’s permanent collection)
- High aesthetic value
Width: 415 mm Weight: 1.120 kg (with stand)
Highly decorative form of an anchor shaped currency, with two wings terminated at their end with a piece perpendicular to the currency's plan. The piece was stamped out of an iron sheet. The were introduced as money by the N'Goko Sangha Company early 20th Century to buy rubber and ivory. On of the ears has the end broken.
Beautiful old Katanga cross07.05.338
- Copper & copper aloy
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
A cross madee out of solid copper, it has still its original reddish patina. The cross is in perfect condition. The Katanga cross has been used as currency for centuries in ex Belgian Congo. They were already used as currency in the 14th century.
Due to large availability of copper (Tshiombo) in the Katanga region the local tribes used this metal to trade with surrounding populations.
Centrally pierced stone money07.06.067
- Various Quarz
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- Antiques (object shows signs of long use)
- Excellent overall condition
Ancient irregular neolithic quartz bead, originally made between 500 Bc and AD500, probably used as fertility offerings. It was drilled from each end with a cone shaped drill. Bought as of Mali origin, according to Leonard2010 such money circulated also in Togoland (sctual Ghana)
Double Iron Gong - Bamileke ?09.09.014
- Iron
Iron gongs are used by many different groups in Africa to set the rhythm for music, establishes the cadence for rituals, religious ceremonies or simply to beat time for dancing and entertainment. This one was probably also used as currency among the Bamileke